It seems superfluous to say anything about 'Abigail's Party', as it made such an impact when first shown on 'Play for Today', and continues to do so.
Mike Leigh moved on to devise and direct many feature films, always in collaboration with his actors. Then-wife Alison Steadman was a frequent collaborator, but this was the role which made her name. As Beverly she is truly horrendous, the typical embodiment of middle-class suburbia, with kitchen gadgets she doesn't know how to use and dubious taste in music (Demis Roussos, Tom Jones ...).
Abigail of course is never seen, but her party is heard as a background to Beverly and Laurence's soirée while worried mum Sue sits awkwardly with her constant top ups of gin and tonic. Neighbours Angela and Tony are an echo of the couple visiting George and Martha in 'Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf?'
The genius of 'Abigail's Party' is its sharp dialogue, its acid wit, and the power it has to amuse us, make us cringe, and ultimately shock us. Unmissable and unforgettable.
Alison Steadman ... Beverly
Tim Stern ... Laurence
Janine Duvitski ... Angela
John Salthouse ... Tony
Harriet Reynolds ... Susan
Mike Leigh moved on to devise and direct many feature films, always in collaboration with his actors. Then-wife Alison Steadman was a frequent collaborator, but this was the role which made her name. As Beverly she is truly horrendous, the typical embodiment of middle-class suburbia, with kitchen gadgets she doesn't know how to use and dubious taste in music (Demis Roussos, Tom Jones ...).
Abigail of course is never seen, but her party is heard as a background to Beverly and Laurence's soirée while worried mum Sue sits awkwardly with her constant top ups of gin and tonic. Neighbours Angela and Tony are an echo of the couple visiting George and Martha in 'Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf?'
The genius of 'Abigail's Party' is its sharp dialogue, its acid wit, and the power it has to amuse us, make us cringe, and ultimately shock us. Unmissable and unforgettable.
Alison Steadman ... Beverly
Tim Stern ... Laurence
Janine Duvitski ... Angela
John Salthouse ... Tony
Harriet Reynolds ... Susan